TOURISTS from across the country and globe continue to flock to the historic town of Penola to enjoy the sights and indulge in wine produced along the internationally recognised Coonawarra strip.
While the number of people seeking advice at the visitor information centre to make the most of their time in the region has been similar to last summer, many other tourists have explored the area while staying in neighbouring destinations.
Approximate numbers during December showed around 61 European tourists visited the town’s information centre after making the journey to the picturesque part of the country, with the facility also receiving 47 visitors from New South Wales, 34 from Western Australia and 66 from Melbourne.
The state’s capital city topped the number of visitors, with around 77 people from Adelaide opting to visit the information centre while spending part of their holidays in Penola.
Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre tourism officer Kat Searcy said visitation during December was steady on 2016 numbers.
“We notice many visitors enjoy experiencing a combination of the town’s rich history and delicious wine and can be torn between the two when only spending a short amount of time,” Ms Searcy said.
Ms Searcy said many tourists were using the newly introduced wineries walking trail and she noticed people also making day trips to Robe and Naracoorte.
Last week, a large number of visitors to the region were enjoying a summer day outdoors in the Penola War Memorial Park with their families or relaxing in one of the Church Street cafes.
Members of the Versteeg family from Adelaide were enjoying a hit of golf at Murray’s Country Cottages, where they have been holidaying over Christmas for 18 years.
“It is fantastic spending Christmas here each year and Murray’s Country Cottage owners Bill and Marg have now become family to us,” Rick Versteeg said.
“Our kids know nothing different than spending their Christmas here each year.”
Enjoying a nice drop at Hollick Wines were friends Misha Byrne from Brisbane and Denis Sawrin from Germany, who were travelling the Great Ocean Road.
“It is my first time here in Coonawarra and it is wonderful, it is great to taste the region’s wines where they are actually produced as we have enjoyed them from a distance,” Mr Byrne said.
Melbourne couple Stefan Fleurette and Lauren Johnston were travelling in their rooftop camper and also made the stop along the Coonawarra strip to taste some world-renowned wine.
“It is our first time here and it is very beautiful, we are just enjoying some wine tasting,” Mr Fleurette said.
Ms Searcy said the area will once again see a step-up in activity when the annual Coonawarra Vignerons Cup is held on January 18 with nearly all the accommodation in the town booked out during the event.
